Erythranthe purpurea (A.L.Grant) N.S.Fraga

Growth Form and Size

Erythranthe purpurea is a small annual herb that only reaches a height of a few centimeters.

Leaf Characteristics

Its oval, oppositely arranged leaves are each less than 2 centimeters long.

Pedicel Structure

Individual flowers grow on very thin, upright pedicels that can reach several centimeters in length.

Calyx Structure

The tubular base of each flower is enclosed in a reddish, ribbed calyx made of sepals, with small pointed lobes.

Flower Size and Shape

The flower is approximately one centimeter long, with a wide opening split into an upper lip and a lower lip.

Flower Coloration

The flower is pink, and the upper lip is typically a darker pink than the lower lip.

Flower Mouth Markings

Yellow stripes or streaks are present in the flower's mouth.

California Distribution

This species is native to California, where it has been recorded from only around 20 locations in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Baja California Distribution

It also occurs in Baja California.

Habitat

It grows in moist mountain meadow habitats, including the quartz pebble plain habitat near Big Bear Lake.